Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Kandivali Auto Protest Erupts Over Marathi Language Requirement
Auto-rickshaw drivers in Kandivali protested a rule requiring them to know Marathi.
During the protest, a Marathi-speaking driver was allegedly attacked.
A video reportedly showed drivers using abusive language and threatening some drivers carrying passengers.
The protest also caused traffic to slow on Kandivali Link Road.
Police arrived and tried to clear the road.
Officials said a case was registered against four people.
The drivers’ union said it did not support the protest but wants more time to follow the rule.
The transport minister said drivers will get one month to learn Marathi before penalties are imposed.
A Marathi-speaking auto-rickshaw driver was allegedly assaulted during a protest on Kandivali Link Road.
The protest opposed Maharashtra’s Marathi language requirement for autorickshaw and taxi drivers.
Several autos were reportedly parked on the road, slowing traffic for about 20 minutes.
Police registered a case against four people over the alleged assault, according to officials.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said drivers would receive one month to learn Marathi before punitive action begins.
- Who
- Auto-rickshaw drivers, police, the Mumbai Autorickshaw-Taximen's Union, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena were involved or responded.
- What
- A protest against the Marathi language requirement for commercial passenger-vehicle drivers accompanied an alleged assault and threats involving auto-rickshaw drivers.
- When
- Monday; the articles do not provide a specific date.
- Where
- Kandivali Link Road in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
- Why
- Drivers were protesting the state government’s Marathi language requirement for autorickshaw and taxi drivers.
Supporters of Marathi Requirement
Opponents Seeking More Time
Language compliance
Supporters of Marathi Requirement
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said drivers conducting business in Maharashtra must respect Marathi identity and reiterated the one-month learning period.
Opponents Seeking More Time
Drivers protesting the requirement opposed its implementation, while the drivers’ union separately demanded additional time to comply.
Conduct during protest
Supporters of Marathi Requirement
The alleged assault, threats, and abusive language were condemned through the police case and political criticism, including an aggressive response from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena.
Opponents Seeking More Time
The reported protest involved drivers objecting to the language rule; however, the union said it had not supported the protest.
Public disruption
Supporters of Marathi Requirement
Police attempted to restore traffic after autos were reportedly parked on Kandivali Link Road.
Opponents Seeking More Time
The protest reportedly caused traffic delays and inconvenience to commuters and motorists.
- Incident location
- Kandivali Link Road, Mumbai
- Protest issue
- The state requirement that autorickshaw and taxi drivers learn Marathi
- Traffic impact
- Traffic reportedly slowed for around 20 minutes
- Police action
- A case was registered against four people over the alleged assault
- Union position
- Shashank Rao said the Mumbai Autorickshaw-Taximen's Union did not support the protest
- Government timeframe
- Drivers will be given one month to learn Marathi before punitive action
- Video evidence
- A video shared by Zee 24 Taas reportedly showed abusive language and threats during the protest